Facts About Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding is very common. About one third of women seek treatment for it. It affects quality of life and may be a sign of a more serious health problem.

When is menstrual bleeding considered “heavy”?

• - Bleeding that lasts more than 7 days.
• - Bleeding that soaks through one or more tampons or pads every hour for several hours in a row.
• - Needing to wear more than one pad at a time to control menstrual flow.
• - Needing to change pads or tampons during the night.
• - Menstrual flow with blood clots that are as big as a quarter or larger.

What causes heavy menstrual bleeding?

• - polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroids, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease
• - Bleeding disorders
• - Medications—Blood thinners e.g aspirin 
• - Cancer—Heavy menstrual bleeding can be an early sign of womb cancer

How heavy menstrual bleeding is evaluated? 

• - Blood test is done to check iron deficiency anaemia or thyroid disorders
• - Pelvic exam
• - Might need a pregnancy test 
• - Tests for some sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

Based on symptoms and age, additional tests may be needed:

Treatment for heavy periods- heavy periods need to be treated if they’re affecting quality of life. Medications often are tried first to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. If medication does not reduce bleeding, a surgical procedure may be recommended which included removal of fibroids or removal of uterus.